Wedding Advice & Photography

Two things we are confident in: Wedding Planning & photography. Van Elk & Co is made up of a team of photographers who love to create portraits of love & happiness and share advice for wedding couples.

This isn't your typical photography blog. We share useful info for couples who are getting married and those who are heading that direction. Let us show you pretty things while you fill your head with all things wedding planning.

October 22, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman kiss while backlit by flash in front of lights of theater marquee during their fountain square theatre wedding

The tungsten bulbs hanging from the theater marquee gave off a lovely orange glow. Under the marquee, and in focus, Nick and Erin embraced and kissed. Outside of the marquee there was a slight drizzle as the overcast sky let loose some precipitation. It was just one beautiful moment from this gorgeous Fountain Square Theatre […]

October 17, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a man and woman in wedding clothes kiss at sunset during their mustard seed wedding

The setting sun bathed Analisa and Charles in golden light. They were newly married and just minutes away from their reception in the barn at Mustard Seed Gardens. They danced slowly in the sunlight, Charles dipping and kissing Analisa while the wind blew her veil. This portrait session after Analisa and Charle’s Mustard Seed wedding […]

September 29, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom dance under a ton of stringlights during their mavris reception

String lights and chandeliers provided mood lighting as the guests took their seats at the Mavris. Then, from the stairwell, Maggie and Tyler entered the reception space to massive applause from their friends and family. Immediately after they entered the space, music swelled and they danced their first dance in the middle of the tables […]

August 9, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

a bride and groom eat hot dogs from a hot dog cart before their scottish rite cathedral wedding

A hot dog stand stood in the middle of White River State Park, next to the canal. When Ali and Eric saw the stand, Ali immediately asked if we had time to get hot dogs. For the bride, of course. We loved the spontaneity and also we just love when couples do something they enjoy […]

July 30, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

man and woman dance outside at sunset with indy skyline behind them during their charming mavris wedding

The setting sun shined through the red tree leaves at the Mavris before dipping behind the Indianapolis skyline. Katelyn took Jacob’s hand and pulled him in to dance with her on the grass, the last rays of sunshine backlighting the two of them. This was just on of the many fantastic moments from this charming […]

June 27, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

groom in blue suit dips bride in white dress and kisses her at sunset at their Indianapolis Hawaiian Jewish wedding

The setting sun reflected off the windows of buildings in downtown Indianapolis. Standing on the terrace of Regions Tower, Riane and Jacob and were backlit by the light. They danced and Jacob dipped Riane, practicing for when they would do their first dance later in the evening. They kissed while dipping and it was magical. […]

March 9, 2022

FILED IN: Weddings

bride and groom hug in front of brown background during their indy canal wedding

Sunlight fell through the open window of Canal 337. Tyler stood near the window, the sunlight gracing his face, as Anna walked up behind him and gave him a hug. They both smiled. This was just one of the moments we created together during their portraits. Scroll down to see all of the amazing moments […]

July 20, 2021

FILED IN: Engagements

couple silhouetted and dancing at sunset during their coxhall gardens engagement session

The light of the setting sun filled the sky with oranges and yellows and blues. The color faded from one end of the spectrum to the other making dusk seem magical and full of wonder. The pond at the park lay still and peaceful, like mirror reflecting the beauty of the sunset up above. In […]

July 17, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

fairy lights wrapped around the bride and groom at their bluffs wedding at conner prairie

In the middle of a dark road through the woods, a little bit of moonlight broke through the tree leaves. On the road, wrapped in fairy lights were Kelsey and Kevin. Embracing and looking deep into each other’s eyes, it was a magical moment to behold. Of course, we had to use a flash behind […]

March 9, 2021

FILED IN: Weddings

groom dips bride and kisses her at sunset on an overcast day at a Franklin Barn Wedding

The first words I heard after walking into the bridal suite were, “You know he’s an amazing photographer, because I’m a photographer and I picked him to shoot my wedding.” It was one of the nicest things I’ve ever heard a bride say, especially within moments of first meeting in person. Charrie is a great […]